James Buescher worked his way past Kyle Busch with three to go and held on to score his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory of the season at Michigan International Speedway.
Buescher worked his way up front late in the race and was able to take advantage of Busch and Brendan Gaughan battling side-by-side for the lead. Buescher dove to the inside and made it stick, passing both drivers to claim the top spot in Saturday's Michigan National Guard 200.
"Once you get a run on somebody, you just have to be committed," Buescher said. "It's a tough style of racing, but you see the opportunity to go from third to first in one corner, you need to take it."
Buescher's newborn baby, Stetson, joined him in victory lane for the celebration. It's safe to say they were both pumped up about the big win.
"His first time at the racetrack, we got Stetson in victory lane. Proud papa right now." Buescher said.
Amazing to be back in Victory lane! Even better to have my family there with me! #Rheem #winning pic.twitter.com/ZgDC66vB0k
— James Buescher (@JamesBuescher) August 17, 2013
Texas bound #winning #rheem pic.twitter.com/GIOFhS0m8c
— James Buescher (@JamesBuescher) August 17, 2013
Busch, who led 33 laps, was forced to settle for his fourth career runner-up finish at the blazing fast two-mile track.
"It sucks to finish second again," Busch said. "Thatâs the fourth time Iâve done it."
Trailing Buescher and Busch at the line was championship contender Ty Dillon, Joey Logano and Miguel Paludo.
Pole winner Jeb Burton led 41 of the first 44 laps before a mistake dropped him deep in the pack. Burton rebounded and finished 10th.
Congrats to my teammate. Had the truck made a mistake #Frustrated
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) August 17, 2013
Points leader Matt Crafton finished ninth and now holds a 51 point lead over Burton as the series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway. Buescher's win moves him up to third in points, 52 behind Crafton.
